April 6, 2025
How to worship God!
Read: Joshua 5, 6; Psalm 96; Luke 4:31-44
Scripture: Psalm 96: 9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.
Observation: Since Psalm 96 closely resembles 1 Chronicles 16:23-33, some say that it was written by David. This psalm first encourages its readers and hearers to sing and praise God. Secondly, it gives reasons to praise and worship God. Thirdly, it gives a unique picture of how to worship God! This distinguishes the key difference between the worship of God Yahweh and idol worship. In Hebrew, the phrase "in the splendor of his holiness" may refer to more than one meaning. Some may think that whether it says about the holiness of God or the holy clothing of a person who worships God. There is no doubt about God's holiness. He is the Holy God. This makes him unique among all gods. However, what makes him even more unique is that he expects us to worship "in the splendor of his holiness."
Holy God expects holy worship! How we come before God really matters to him. Does this mean that we cannot worship God if we are not holy! NO. God repeatedly says, "I am the Lord, who makes you holy." All we need is to acknowledge our true state before him and ask him for forgiveness with true repentance. He purifies us so that we can worship God. How do we come to worship God?
Application: I hear a lot of Christian songs that help me sing and praise God almighty. Praising and singing about God are good starters to worship God. However, God is pleased with the worship that is made "in the splendor of his holiness." No other ornamentation or clothing pleases God more than holy worship. I should not say that "I am not a holy person, so I will not worship God." He removes my fears and makes me holy when I come before him with godly fear. He is able!
Prayer: Father God, you are the Holy One of Israel! You want me to be holy, just as you are. Holy God, discipline me so that I may partake in your holiness. It is not just when I come before you, but help me always lead a holy life. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 96